The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has launched a major attack against illegal oil operations, revealing that a staggering 134 illegal refineries were dismantled in the past week alone. The operation also uncovered 63 illegal pipeline connections, as NNPC ramps up efforts to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.
In an eye-opening report, the NNPC detailed a joint operation between security forces and the oil giant, which led to the discovery of a large wooden boat illicitly loading stolen crude oil from Barge AGS01 within the OML 18 operating area at approximately 2 am on Sunday. The operation was based on credible intelligence, which revealed the boat was receiving stolen crude oil from the barge.
During the operation, five speed boats involved in towing the wooden boat were seized. Additionally, tugboats and the barge used in the illegal operation were taken into custody for further investigation. Authorities in Rivers State intercepted two barges involved in illegal bunkering, arresting crew members and confiscating wooden boats transporting stolen crude oil across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Abia States.
The NNPC’s relentless crackdown also uncovered 63 illegal pipeline connections in critical areas across the Niger Delta, with swift repairs carried out in Bayelsa and Abia States to plug the leaks and prevent further theft.
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NNPC described the illegal refineries as a “shadowy network” that not only bleeds Nigeria’s economy but also wreaks havoc on the environment. These toxic sites, sprawling across Rivers, Abia, and Bayelsa States, have become a focal point for security agencies. In Bayelsa, crude oil destined for the black market was seized, and secret storage facilities were uncovered in Rivers State.
In a particularly notable interception, law enforcement agents confiscated a vehicle loaded with stolen crude oil packed in jerry cans, and the driver was swiftly apprehended.
The scope of the operation was wide-reaching, with 302 incidents of illegal activity identified between August 31 and September 6, 2024. According to NNPC, these incidents were recorded from sources like Tantita Security Services, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Heirs Energies, and Oando PLC, among others.
Out of these, 48 incidents occurred in deep blue waters, 81 in central regions, 134 in eastern regions, and 39 in western regions. As of now, 25 suspects have been handed over to government security agencies for further investigation.
NNPC Group CEO, Mele Kyari, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to eradicating oil theft, stressing that the war on crude oil theft will continue until the menace is fully eradicated.
